Denver Car Accident Statistics 2024: Important Facts and Trends

Car accidents remain a safety concern for motorists across the Denver region and beyond. Recent data shows alarming trends in local accidents, from the common causes of collisions to fatalities. Not only do crashes affect motorist safety, but they could also come with legal implications.

At Flesch Law Denver Injury Accident Lawyers, our legal counsel handles a wide range of car accident cases. Our experienced attorneys know how to gather evidence following an accident and write the paperwork to file a civil suit against a negligent party.

An Overview of Denver Car Accident Statistics

Researching car accident statistics in Denver can be harrowing. In recent years, the city has been the site of thousands of crashes, including ones ending with death or serious injuries. Some notable facts include:

• 15,701 car accidents occurred in Denver in 2024, an increase from both 2022 and 2023.
• The majority of accidents in 2024 had no contributing driver action. Commonly reported actions include careless driving, following too closely, and failure to yield.
• 2023 marked a 10-year high in fatal car crashes in Denver. The city had 77 traffic fatalities during this period, while 2024 saw 63 fatalities from car accidents.
• In 2024, 665 serious injuries were reported following auto accidents; 200 of these injuries involved non-motorists.

These facts highlight the importance of driving safely on local roadways. Accident victims may be able to pursue legal action against an at-fault motorist with the help of a personal injury attorney.

A Comprehensive Look at Denver Auto Accidents

Drivers across the Mile High City should be aware of accident trends and hazards before they hit the road. Gain insight into recent data and what it reveals about local collisions.

The Overall Accident Rate in Denver

According to Colorado’s Department of Transportation, car crashes in Denver are on a downward trend. 2010 saw 17,925 reported crashes, but that number drastically increased to 22,218 by 2015. Denver experienced more than 22,000 motor vehicle accidents for four consecutive years before dropping significantly to 14,394 annual crashes in 2020.

Rates continue to be below 16,000 crashes heading into 2025. This trend may suggest improvements in roadway safety, though drivers still need to be aware of potential risks before getting behind the wheel.

Leading Causes of Car Accidents

Motorists must recognize the common causes of car accidents and take steps to prevent them. Common contributing factors include:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding or reckless driving
• Inclement weather or poor road conditions
• Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that over 3,000 traffic fatalities occurred in 2023 due to distracted driving. Distractions could come in the form of using a cell phone, eating or drinking while driving, or even changing the radio station. The NHTSA highlights the dangers of this activity during April, which is Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

Speeding serves as another leading cause of fatal car accidents. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 29% of all crash fatalities in 2022 stemmed from accidents involving a speeding vehicle. Excessive speed can make it difficult to control a vehicle and bring it to a quick halt, if necessary.

Another major concern for local drivers is DUI incidents. Of the occupants involved in Denver car accidents in 2024, 769 were charged with a DUI, per the Colorado Department of Transportation. The Colorado Task Force on Drunk & Impaired Driving aims to prevent accidents of this nature by partnering with both public and private-sector organizations.

Injuries and Fatalities in Denver Auto Collisions

2024 marked a four-year low in auto collision fatalities. Local car accident statistics from the Colorado Department of Transportation show that between 50 and 80 people die each year from a Denver car crash.

Accidents may cause serious injuries, such as:

• Lacerations
• Bone fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries

Even seemingly minor accidents can cause injuries, which is why it’s important for victims to seek prompt medical care. The CDC reports that car accident-related injuries are the reason for roughly 2.6 million visits to the emergency room annually.

Seeking prompt medical attention helps document the extent of one’s injuries after an accident. Delaying treatment may affect one’s ability to recover compensation either through an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit.

Insights Into the Time and Location of Accidents

Responding police officers write about the date, time, and location of an accident in their official report. This data is currently available through the Colorado Department of Transportation to give locals a better understanding of when and where crashes frequently occur.

2024 data suggests that accidents are likelier to happen during the work week. Below is a breakdown of reported car accidents in Denver for each day of the week:

• Sunday: 1,779
• Monday: 2,180
• Tuesday: 2,574
• Wednesday: 2,302
• Thursday: 2,426
• Friday: 2,432
• Saturday: 2,006

Locals can also explore where collisions happen through an interactive tool called Regional Vision Zero. The Denver Regional Council of Governments implemented this strategy in an effort to make local roadways safer and educate locals about accident risks.

Comparative Analysis: Denver vs. Colorado Statewide Data

How do car accident statistics in Denver compare to the rest of the state? Data shows that the capital city shares many trends with the rest of the state.

For example, occupant data reports show that the majority of motorists involved in a Denver accident in 2024 are between the ages of 25 and 32. This demographic makes up the highest percentage of accident occupants throughout the state.

Data sets involving non-motorists also share similarities. In both Denver and Colorado as a whole, the leading action of non-motorists in accident reports is crossing intersections.

The type of accident also doesn’t change much between local and statewide data. In both locations, the first harmful event in the majority of crashes is a front-to-rear collision. The next-highest event is a front-to-side collision.

While Denver car accident statistics largely align with statewide statistics, there are a few trends that don’t match up. According to DOT data from 2024, the majority of Denver accidents happened on a Tuesday. In Colorado, Friday had the highest occurrence of accidents compared to other days of the week.

Future Trends and Predictions

There’s no way to predict exactly how many collisions will occur each year or how many people will face injuries due to an accident. However, motorists can anticipate certain trends based on their environment.

If the city plans to undergo major infrastructure changes, lengthy construction projects could impact roadways. This may lead to more congestion in certain areas. Drivers who act recklessly or try to speed through a construction zone may end up in a single or multi-vehicle crash.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many people have questions about car accident lawsuits and what to expect during the legal process. Below are answers to common client questions our firm receives.

What Should I Do Immediately After an Auto Collision in Denver?

After an auto collision in Denver, try to remain calm and move the vehicle away from the flow of traffic. Report the accident to the police and write down the contact and insurance information of the other involved drivers. Photograph the scene, if possible, and seek medical treatment for any injuries.

You can then start the insurance claim process and consult an attorney for assistance.

How Often Do Car Accidents Lead to Personal Injury Lawsuits?

Car accidents typically lead to personal injury lawsuits when claim settlement negotiations fail to satisfy both the claimant and the insurance company. Claimants have three years from the date of the accident to file a suit, according to Colorado’s statute of limitations.

What Types of Evidence Are Useful in Car Accident Claims?

Common pieces of evidence in car accident claims include police reports, photos from the scene, and witness statements. Dashcam footage, medical records, and vehicle repair estimates may also be included in a claim.

What Compensation Might I Expect From a Car Accident Claim?

You should never expect compensation, as car accident claims yield different outcomes for claimants, depending on their unique circumstances. Any potential settlement or financial reward may include damages for medical expenses, property damage, and other related costs.

Consult a Denver Personal Injury Lawyer After an Auto Accident

The Denver car accident statistics mentioned above highlight the importance of safe driving. Collisions can lead to serious injuries or even death and may leave victims wondering about their legal options. An experienced personal injury lawyer can provide insight into civil procedures and recommend a legal strategy based on your situation.

Flesch Law Denver Injury Accident Lawyers has years of experience and handles personal injury lawsuits on a contingency fee basis. We only collect legal fees if we recover compensation. Clients may still be responsible for related costs.

Reach out to our team if you’re seeking legal representation after a car crash. We offer free, no-obligation consultations to review a case’s unique details. Write a brief message using our online request form or call (303) 218-9394 to schedule a consultation.